The use of caustic soda beads – also known as caustic soda pearls, sodium hydroxide beads, or lye – to remove excessive buildup of tartrates in machinery tanks and lines is well known, but you may not realize how many industries utilize caustic soda beads. Industrial chemical supplier Bell Chem describes how your industry may benefit from stocking Bell Chem’s caustic soda beads, and how to properly handle this important chemical.

Aluminum production

Bauxite is the raw material that produces aluminum. Caustic soda dissolves bauxite ore.

Paper manufacturing

As wood is pulped and bleached, caustic soda is mixed with sodium sulfide to remove all impurities save cellulose, which ultimately becomes paper.

Soapmaking

Whether the base material is derived from plants or animals, caustic soda beads break down the oil components into fatty acids and glycerol causing saponification. 

Natural gas industry

Petroleum is produced and processed with the aid of caustic soda beads.

Textile industry

Cotton production occurs more easily with caustic soda beads. When cotton fibers are boiled in a caustic soda solution in a process known as scouring. This removes all impurities from the cotton.

Across industries

Caustic soda beads are vital as a feedstock in the chemical processes that eventually produce adhesives, fabrics, plastic, solvents, and other products. Because of the extreme alkalinity of caustic soda beads, they are often used to adjust the pH in many industrial chemical reactions. The cleaning power of caustic soda beads stems from its high alkalinity; it can quickly dissolve fat, grease, oil, and protein along with other organic materials.

Precautions with use

With a pH of 14, caustic soda beads are indeed caustic. As such, when dissolving them in water before use, be sure to add the beads to the water and not the water to the beads. Ensure the water is in a proper container that will react properly with highly alkaline chemicals. The reaction will cause an exothermic reaction, and the container will become hot to the touch. Stir slowly without splashing and wear protective clothing. Remember, caustic soda beads and caustic soda both break down organic matter and you are made of organic matter. Safety goggles and heavy-duty rubber or nitrile gloves are essential.

For cleaning surfaces, ensure the surface will react favorably with caustic soda. A 10% solution of caustic soda beads and water is usually sufficient for most cleaning projects. Spray the solution on the surface, and after 10 minutes rinse away as much residue as possible before air drying. Do not use caustic soda in food manufacturing, prepping, or dining areas. Use caustic soda as a cleaner and not as a disinfectant. While bacteria will not survive when sprayed directly with caustic soda, the disinfectant properties are not considered reliable enough to classify caustic soda as a disinfectant.

Bell Chem is an industrial chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including caustic soda beads. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.